MERSEYSIDE'S transport chiefs have condemned new job cuts by a major train operator, which they claim could spell worsening service levels for customers.

First North Western (FNW) are axing six front-line staff on the busy Liverpool-to-St Helens service and local councillors fear it could be the thin end of the wedge. Merseytravel chair Mark Dowd met with St Helens Council leader Mike Doyle at St Helens Central station to hear concerns that customers would suffer from the cuts. "The franchise document we signed with FNW is not worth the paper it was written on," said Councillor Dowd. "First the company was sold on and directors were paid huge sums to quit.

"New staff cuts could leave disabled travellers stranded at stations with no assistance."

Mike Doyle, said there seemed no way out of the downward spiral, with revenue being lost through lower patronage and fewer staff to sell tickets. Rail users I have spoken with leave me in no doubt about their fears - less assistance, less security and altogether less reason for using their local rail service."

His fears were echoed by Merseytravel St Helens councillor, Terry Hanley, who said rail links were vital to the economic regeneration of the area.

He said: "While Merseytravel invests in new stations like Lea Green to boost workand leisure travel, FNW set about dismantling the fabric of the network. If their management believes by cutting station staff they are assisting my constituents they are living on a different planet." The three councillors intend to pay a visit to Thatto Heath station this week to see first hand problems caused for rail users by staffing shortages.

A spokesman for First North Western, said: "FNW is undertaking a complete review of its organisation and introducing a structure which will focus on punctual and reliable services, timely and accurate information and appropriate facilities. As part of the review, staffing levels at 21 of the 304 stations managed daily by FNW are being adjusted and more than 25 vacancies at booking offices are about to be filled. The proposals will not affect train services in any way and will improve services at booking offices. "At St Helens Central there will be an overall reduction of three positions, but this will not affect the station opening hours and booking staff will be available to help customers."

He continued: "Disabled passengers will not be affected in any way. FNW has just completed a programme of fitting ramps to every single one of its trains so that disabled passengers can get on and off at any station whether staffed or not. The train conductor will assist disabled passengers.

"Security at stations operated by FNW on Merseyside will not be compromised. CCTV has already been installed at 10 stations and all other stations will be fitted with CCTV next year. Merseytravel has been kept fully informed of FNW's proposals."

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